Hypomelanosis in tuberculosis--unrelated to anaemia.
Previous work has shown that hypomelanosis is a useful sign to aid suspicion of tuberculosis in patients with dark skins. This study has confirmed that it is unrelated to haemoglobin levels. A simple colour card 'melanometer' for clinical use is described. As hypomelanosis has not been noted in HIV infection in African, and as tuberculosis is an important differential in case-definition where diagnostic facilities are limited, it is suggested that more clinical research on hypomelanosis in relation to disease is urgent.
Pearson
C A
CA
Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesha, Oyo State, Nigeria.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D003124:Colorimetry / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008543:Melanins; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012880:Skin Pigmentation; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology*
D006454:Hemoglobins; D008543:Melanins